I start to drift in when the boat hits the rollers. I watch the roller that I want to hit and gradually build edge as it gets closer; I don't really look at the peak of the DU until it is right in front of me. If you aim for the peak too far out, it is easy to miss it (hit the back of it and not get up). The pop is different because it is A LOT more up than out, in my experience. It might be worth hitting a few with a little cut first, you don't have to cut very hard to get pretty high. After you get the timing down add speed/edge and you'll get way up there!!

For learning you want to take it slow and not cut too far out. Basically I would not even bother with the first roller, I always attack the third one. I think about getting in the trough in front of the roller you want to hit and just follow it up to the peak, it will boot you higher but it's better to give it a hard pop and learn to use it then trying to weaken the kick. Then once you've hit it a few times, charge it and bust huge into the flats theres nothing finer. try a big poked indy or method, tantrums are a good first invert, I like to do nose grabbed back rolls they're fun.